Tricolour at Keady church ‘act of intimidation’

Unionist representatives in south Armagh have called for the immediate removal of an Irish tricolour being flown outside a Protestant church in Keady.

DUP MLA William Irwin described the appearance of the flag as a act of intimidation.

“The placement of this flag, directly adjacent to the Presbyterian church building, will undoubtedly generate concern among worshippers intending to mark the Easter season,” he said.

“There can be no room for this form of intimidation in Keady or anywhere else in south Armagh.

“I have been in regular contact with the PSNI since learning of this matter and will continue to work for its immediate removal.”

Ulster Unionist Danny Kennedy said he was disgusted at a deliberate attempt to cause tension in the run up to the Easter weekend.

“Some republicans have gone into overdrive with a proliferation of flags and emblems throughout the constituency.

“I would appeal for members of the unionist community to remain calm in the face of appalling provocation,” Mr Kennedy added.

His party colleague councillor Sam Nicholson said the unionist community would not allow the incident to “bully them out” of the Keady community.

Councillor Paul Berry described it as an “attempt to intimidate and cause fear” to local church goers going to worship God.

“I would call on Sinn Fein and the SDLP to show leadership and demand the removal of this flag from this local church. We hear much from SF and the SDLP about moving on and shared spaces so it’s time they started to practise what they preach and have these flags removed.”